The Rancher
Malachi 3:6-12
Gifts
After
seeing in Luke 10 that the one thing that God longs for from us is that we love
Him with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind, we have been looking at how
to love God using the five love languages described for us in the book “The
Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. So far have we looked at Words of
Affirmations, how to say to God how much we appreciate what God has done and is
doing for us, and Quality Time, spending time with God.
Today we
look at the love language of Gifts. While this is pretty self explanatory, one
of the questions that comes to mind is first what can we give God, given that
God has given us all that we have, and why do we need to give to God. I have a
story that I have written that I have shared with you before that answers these
question and I would like to share it with you today.
A while
back, a wealthy rancher owned a large spread about the size of Montana. He had developed it over the years so
that it was one of the most efficient, fertile and productive ranches in the
entire country. It was so well
designed and managed that the owner had little to do except enjoy it's beauty.
One day,
as the rancher was riding across his land to check on one of the herds, the
thought flashed across his mind, "I wish I had someone to share this
with." All of the sudden a
question hit him. "Why
couldn't I have someone to share this with? This ranch more than supplies my needs, I could get along on
just a fraction of what this land and my herds provide."
So the
rancher had an idea. He would
divide his land into workable plots, making sure that each one had plenty of
natural resources and it's own herd of cattle. The rancher also made sure that there was a wealth of hidden
treasures in each plot. These
treasures were designed to make life easier and the work more fruitful and
exciting. As each of these plots was fashioned, because each one was unique,
the Rancher made notations as to the best way to care for and manage each plot.
When all
was ready, the Rancher took out ad's in papers all over the country. He let it be known that he had land to
give to special people who would care for it as he had cared for it. People came from all over to take
advantage of this wonderful offer.
They came, were interviewed and given the plot that was just right for
them.
As each
plot was awarded, the recipients were also informed of three requirements that
went with the gift.
1. That they care for the land as the
rancher cared for it, treating it with respect and not abusing it for momentary
gain.
2. That they share any treasure they found
on their land with their neighbors.
3. That they honor him by bringing him 10%
of the produce from the land and the herds, which the rancher would use to
supply him, his hired hands and to help people in need.
In return,
they got to keep the other 90% of the produce from the land and the herds and
unlimited access to the Rancher.
If they wanted, he would even help them discover the treasures hidden
with in their plot.